St. John Vianney Catholic Youth Ministry serves youth and teens in 6th grade through 12th grade. We meet Wednesday evenings in the Youth Room located in the Parish Office from 6pm-8pm. We are dedicated to helping your youth build and grow in their relationship with God based on the catechism of the Catholic Church.

Our youth nights are planned, using the Life Teen Edge program. The night resembles the flow of Mass. We begin together in fellowship, sharing a meal and building relationships with each other. We then enter a teaching moment led by a Core Team member. Teachings follow the Edge night/semester theme, from prayer to dressing appropriately to the Mass. Our topics and themes cover a wide range of catechism and real-life applications. After the teaching concludes, we break into small groups. The small group allows us to discuss what we heard, participate an activity, and how it applies to our life.

We conclude the night together as a whole group with prayer and praise and worship.

Our Youth Ministry Core Team is the rock to serve the youth. We are all called to serve in various ways. If you are interested in volunteering (behind scenes/youth nights), chaperoning events, or becoming a Core Team member, please contact Lisa DiVito at youthministrysjv@gmail.com. or call 727.360.1147, ext. 530.

My favorite Bible verse: (Matthew 6:34) Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

My favorite ice cream: I LOVE ice cream! So really any flavor.

Why I love the church: No matter where you are in the world, we have unity in the Mass and in the Eucharist.

My favorite saint: My Confirmation Saint, Mother Teresa.

Why I am involved with youth ministry: Teens ARE the church! It is hard being a young person in today’s world. I’ve been called to cultivate a welcoming and fun place for youth to learn about our Catholic faith and grow closer to Christ.

My favorite Bible verse: (2 Corinthians) For we walk by faith, not by sight.

My favorite ice cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough.

Why I love the church: I love the church because it is a welcoming community and the Mass is the same wherever you go.

Why I am involved in youth ministry: I had a positive experience participating in youth ministry as a young teen and I feel called to volunteer my time in this way.

Maureen aka Ms. M.

Birthday: November 8th

My favorite food: Anything Italian

My favorite ice cream: Jamocha ice cream

My favorite Bible verse: (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Why I love the church: What I love about the Church is that I can go to any Catholic Church, anywhere, and feel the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. I feel welcomed and comfortable in knowing the Mass will be celebrated the same everywhere. In a sense, I feel at home.

My favorite saint: Very difficult to choose. Our Lady; St. Michael the Archangel

Why I am involved in youth ministry: I was a teacher for many years and love being around students, watching them grow and learn and especially interacting with them.

Ernie aka Mr. E.

Birthday: January 28th

My favorite food: Crab

My favorite ice cream: Vanilla

My favorite Bible verse: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Why I love the church: I love that the Mass is the same everywhere.

My favorite saint: Saint Anthony

Why I am involved in youth ministry: I enjoy being around the students.

Alan

Birthday: July 16

Favorite Food: Pancakes

My favorite Bible verse: (Ephesians 6:11-18) Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So, stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.

Why I love the church: I love our church because of the support, love and fellowship from the people that make up our church.

Why I am involved in youth ministry: I want young people to know that living a virtuous and holy life, being bold about being Catholic and about our Faith is totally cool - it is transforming - it is freedom - it is what truly brings joy and peace in our lives.

For the dudes - there is nothing tougher or manlier than trying to be like Jesus - the coolest, toughest, most bold and yet loving person to ever exist – to be a saint, to sacrifice for the good, to be heroic – that is what we are called to be.

Eileen Stevens

Birthday: January 7

My favorite food:Salad (Seriously!)

My favorite Bible VerseThere is no fear in love. (1 John 4:18)

My favorite ice creamMint Chocolate Chip

My favorite thing about the church: Music

Why I’m involved in Youth Ministry: To support youth in growing their faith through discussion, prayer, music and activities.